Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) celebrated another milestone yesterday, as they marked their 68th anniversary, following a 2023 filled with notable accomplishments and contributions to national and regional security as well as international peacekeeping efforts. From advancements in technology to successful operations both at home and abroad, the FAR is safeguarding Morocco’s sovereignty and promoting stability in the region.
The anniversary serves as an occasion to recognize the visionary leadership of Morocco’s late monarch Mohammed V, who entrusted his son, the late Hassan II, then Crown Prince, with forming the first nucleus of the FAR upon Morocco’s independence in 1956. It also acknowledges the vision of Hassan II, and subsequently the present King Mohammed VI, of modernizing and equipping the institution to defend the nation and preserve its sacred values and achievements.
In 2023 and early 2024, the FAR prioritized enhancing Morocco’s military capabilities through modernization initiatives. The FAR acquired state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced weaponry, communications systems, and surveillance technology. These upgrades have not only bolstered the FAR’s operational effectiveness but have also reinforced the readiness of the various branches to respond swiftly to emerging threats and challenges.
Border security remained a top priority for the FAR, as members of Morocco’s armed forces patrolled and monitored Morocco’s borders to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and illegal immigration. Additionally, the FAR intensified efforts in counterterrorism operations, collaborating closely with international partners to combat extremist groups and dismantle their networks.
Through targeted operations and intelligence-driven tactics, the FAR made significant strides in enhancing the nation’s security posture and thwarting potential threats.
Earlier this month, FAR stated in a press release that its law enforcement agencies, including its coast guard, had intercepted over 87,000 illegal migrants in 2023, most of whom were of sub-Saharan origin.
Although its primary role is Morocco’s national defense and security, the FAR also provided humanitarian assistance and contributed to domestic disaster relief efforts. In response to the earthquake that struck the Kingdom on September 8, 2023, claiming nearly 3,000 lives, the FAR mobilized efforts to support the victims. Around 20 helicopters from the Royal Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie, and Royal Navy, as well as some private helicopters, were deployed to aid rescue operations in inaccessible areas.
King Mohammed VI ordered the FAR to set up a major field hospital in the village of Asni in Al Haouz, near the epicenter of the quake in the Marrakech region, to provide expert medical services to the injured. Seven months later, a highly skilled medical team with a track record of disaster relief work in Africa and the Middle East continues to provide critical care for the injured. It is staffed by a dedicated team of 24 doctors, 48 nurses, and support personnel.
Elsewhere in the world, the Moroccan Army delivered aid to civilians in Gaza via an airdrop in early March 2024.
Morocco continues to play a proactive role in international peacekeeping efforts, with the FAR participating in United Nations missions aimed at maintaining peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
UN Deputy Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix applauded Morocco’s commitment to promoting peace in Africa during his visit to the kingdom in November.
Indeed, Morocco has long supported peacekeeping operations. Moroccan peacekeepers are on the ground providing vital support in protecting civilian populations, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and facilitating the peace process. The kingdom made one of the top ten largest contributions to the UN’s peacekeeping missions since 1948, with 1,724 Moroccan peacekeepers deployed mainly in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, losing more than 60 of its soldiers.
The professionalism and dedication of Moroccan peacekeepers earned a commendation from the international community, further enhancing Morocco’s reputation as a responsible global actor.
On May 25, 2023, the UN peacekeeping operations head, Dag Hammarskjold, awarded medals to seven Moroccan soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in several missions. Two others were killed mid-October in Central Africa.
Last year, at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Accra on December 5 and 6, Morocco reiterated its commitment to supporting the UN’s peacekeeping policies.
Identifying eight priority action areas, the Kingdom has announced that it will provide training in civilian protection, combating disinformation, digitization, telemedicine, mental health, and environmental protection at the Benslimane Center of Excellence for Peacekeeping Operations.
As Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces celebrate another anniversary, they do so with pride in their accomplishments and a renewed commitment to serving the nation and upholding its values. From safeguarding borders to promoting peace and stability, the FAR’s achievements in 2023, and in 2024 so far, underscore their vital role as guardians of security and sovereignty, both at home and on the world stage, steadfast in the institution’s mission to ensure the safety and prosperity of Morocco and its people.